KUT has been covering the run-up to today’s marketplace opening. Here’s some answers to common questions about the marketplace: the types of coverage offered, how to navigate the marketplace and more, including an interactive guide.

In the audio player below, listen to a conversation between KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Veronica Zaragovia summarizing key points about the marketplace and the Affordable Care Act.

How Much Will Health Insurance Cost?

That number depends on a variety of factors, including age, income and level of coverage.

Broadly speaking, there are five categories of coverage under Obamacare: catastrophic, bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Basically, the higher your monthly premium is, the greater your insurance coverage. That should result in smaller out-of-pocket costs for hospitalizations and doctors visits. And depending on your family size and income, you could qualify for an automatic tax subsidy. Read more:

Can I Still Get Coverage Even Though Texas Didn’t Create Its Own Marketplace?

Yes. While Texas declined to set up its own health care exchange, it’s participating in the exchange set up by the federal government. And new regulations of insurance plans and their rates will still be in effect here. Read more:

No. While House Republicans have made changes to or delay of the Affordable Care Act a key demand of continued government funding, the government shutdown that began today does not impact the insurance marketplace’s opening. Read more:

Central Texas residents can also call 2-1-1 for more information (hours and locations) about application assistance. And for 24-hour government help in English, Spanish and 150 languages, call 1-800-318-2596.

Marketplace navigators are at the center of a political debate in Texas. State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, authored a senate bill he said is aimed at ensuring consumers get accurate information about insurance plans. But Gov. Rick Perry cited the law in a letter to the Texas Department of Insurance calling for more stringent regulations governing navigators than current federal rules. Sen. Watson says that goes against the intent of his bill, and is an effort to undermine the rollout of Obamacare in Texas. Read more:

Related Content

The new federal healthcare marketplace opening Oct. 1 could help families struggling to cover their children finally find an affordable plan. But the marketplace could also become a safety net for families on the verge of earning just enough to kick their children off of the current state and federally subsidized healthcare plans.